China Raises Civil Servant Hiring Age to 38 Amid Workforce Challenges

Policy Shift Addresses Demographic Trends

In a significant policy adjustment, China has raised the maximum hiring age for certain civil service positions from 35 to 38 years old. For candidates holding master's or doctoral degrees, the age limit has been extended from 40 to 43 years old. This change, announced on October 14, 2025, ahead of the national civil service exam application window, is the first of its kind in nearly 30 years and reflects the country's efforts to retain experienced workers and mitigate the impact of a shrinking labor force.

The upcoming national civil service exam, scheduled for November 30, 2025, aims to recruit 38,100 new civil servants, as stated by the State Administration of Civil Service.

Combating the 'Curse of 35'

The decision directly confronts the widespread issue of age discrimination in China's job market, often referred to as the 'curse of 35' ('35 sui mozhou'). This informal cutoff age has historically limited opportunities for professionals over 35, who are sometimes perceived as less energetic or more expensive.

According to the Global Times, 'China has appropriately adjusted the age requirements for applicants taking the 2026 national civil service examination, in line with the country's progressive approach to delaying the legal retirement age.' This shift complements broader government initiatives to gradually delay retirement and make better use of experienced individuals in the workforce.

Responding to an Aging Population and Shrinking Workforce

The policy change is a direct response to China's escalating demographic challenges. The nation is grappling with a rapidly aging population and a declining birth rate, with the fertility rate dropping to an estimated 1.09 births per woman in 2022. Projections indicate that by 2035, citizens aged 60 and above are expected to constitute at least 40 percent of China's total population, exceeding 400 million people.

The working-age population (defined as 15-59) has already seen a decline, falling from 69.2 percent in 2012 to 62.6 percent in 2023. The average age of China's labor force was 39.4 years at the end of 2021. This demographic shift poses significant long-term challenges for economic growth, labor productivity, and social welfare, prompting the government to seek ways to keep experienced workers active in the economy.

Broader Impact and Local Implementations

While the central government has now formalized these changes, several local governments had already begun easing age restrictions. For instance:

• In August 2025, the Shanghai municipal government raised the age limit for citywide law enforcement positions to 38.
• Cities in Sichuan province, including Meishan and Suining, also increased the age limit to 38 for bachelor's degree holders and to 43 for master's degree holders.
• Other provinces such as Jiangsu, Shandong, and Guizhou have implemented similar policies in recent months.

These adjustments signal a broader push towards more inclusive hiring practices within the public sector, potentially influencing the private sector to re-evaluate its own age-based employment criteria.